Yassine Bounou continues to make a mark during the 2026 World Cup. With decisive performances for Morocco, the goalkeeper of the Atlas Lions has received a strong tribute from a true legend of the position: Essam El Hadary, the former iconic goalkeeper of Egypt.
In an interview with Sky News Arabia, El Hadary did not hide his admiration for the Moroccan keeper. The former Pharaoh first praised Bounou’s stature, believing he deserves recognition commensurate with his performances. According to him, the Moroccan goalkeeper is not only an important element of his team but also a player capable of turning a match on his own.
The Egyptian even went further by reflecting on his own status in the Arab world. Long regarded as the absolute reference in his position, El Hadary acknowledged that Yassine Bounou has now reached a historic milestone. “I have always said that I was the greatest goalkeeper in the Arab world, but today I say it clearly: no, Yassine Bounou is the best Arab goalkeeper in history.”
This statement comes after Bounou’s remarkable performances against the Netherlands and then against Canada. Decisive during the penalty shootout against the Dutch, and solid in Morocco’s victory over Canada, the Al Hilal goalkeeper confirms his status as a major leader of the Atlas Lions. With just a few days before the quarter-final against France, this recognition from El Hadary adds even more weight to Bounou’s place in the history of Arab and African football.
